Journalists Urged to Embrace AI for Relevance

Peter Iorter, the Executive Director of Safer Media Initiative (SMI), warned that journalists must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) to avoid losing relevance in the rapidly evolving media landscape driven by technological innovation. This warning was issued during a training session for 35 journalists in Edo State, which included a blueprint report highlighting the growing influence of AI on audience engagement.

Iorter noted that while the core principles of journalism remain unchanged, technology significantly alters the processes of news gathering and dissemination. He pointed out that a recent survey conducted by the SMI AI Media Project revealed that 95% of journalists use AI tools at least once a week, yet there is a significant knowledge gap, with 81% familiar with ChatGPT but only 10% having received formal AI training.

Iorter stressed the importance of continuous upskilling among journalists and reassured that AI would not replace journalists but rather enhance newsroom efficiency. Dr. Festus Alenkh, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Edo State Council, commended the SMI training for aligning with current media changes.